Kelp is a large leafy seaweed belonging to the brown algae family that grows in forests in the colder waters of the world s oceans. Kelp has been used for centuries as an important nutritious staple ingredient in Chinese Japanese and Korean cuisines. It is also an excellent source of iodine which has been shown to be essential for healthy thyroid function.* NOW® Kelp delivers the natural nutrient profile found in Genuine Whole Foods. Natural color variation may occur in this product.